Pyoderma gangrenosum

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is a rare skin condition characterized by small, red blisters that typically develop into swollen, open, painful ulcers. The size of these sores varies, and they often appear on the legs but can occur anywhere on the body. PG is commonly associated with underlying conditions, such as inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, though it can also develop independently. The exact cause remains unknown, but PG is suspected to be an autoimmune disorder. Skin trauma, including minor cuts or puncture wounds, can act as triggers for new ulcers.

Small, red bumps on the skin that progress to open sores, ulcers that can enlarge and become painful, lesions commonly appearing on the legs but potentially occurring anywhere on the body.

Ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, rheumatoid arthritis, depression, leukemia, monoclonal gammopathy, chronic active hepatitis, granulomatosis with polyangiitis, PAPA syndrome.

Although the exact cause is unknown, certain factors increase the risk of developing PG. It most commonly affects individuals between the ages of 20 and 50. People with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, or blood disorders have a higher risk. A genetic predisposition is also suspected. Additionally, the use of levamisole-adulterated cocaine has been linked to PG.

• Pyoderma Gangrenosum: An Updated Literature Review on Established and Emerging Pharmacological Treatments (2022)
• Pyoderma gangrenosum with splenic abscess- A rare association (2022)
• Peristomal pyoderma gangrenosum successfully treated with cyclosporine (2022)
• Pyoderma gangrenosum in a patient with metastatic breast cancer (2021)
• A puzzling diagnosis: mycosis fungoides masquerading as pyoderma gangrenosum (2020)